Highways chiefs want to create a dual carriageway along the entire length of the A582, creating a new route from the city centre to the motorway networks to the south of the city.

County Councillor John Fillis, Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This congestion-busting work will improve one of the main transport routes, while supporting planned new development in the area and encouraging economic growth. We’re pleased to see how much progress has already been made and we’re looking forward to the next stage of this improvement work, which will bring clear benefits for central Lancashire and further afield.”

Councillor Margaret Smith, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “This latest road improvement will help continue our plans to unlock the development potential of key sites. We are committed to getting the transport infrastructure for new development right early on – that is the key to managing the future of South Ribble in a co-ordinated way and to encourage economic growth, which will in turn pave the way for the regeneration of our towns and villages.”